While some talk about stages of grief, the reality is that most of us do not move through grief in a step-by-step way. Grief researchers have identified tasks that we need to accomplish in the grieving process to lessen the pain of loss. Some of us move through those tasks without even knowing that’s what we’re doing – it just feels like time healing the wounds. Some may need to focus more attention on the tasks of grieving in order to let go of our suffering. In either case, having an active approach to grief can empower both older adults and those who serve them to manage this human experience. Differentiating normal grief from prolonged grief disorder and evidence-based treatments will also be discussed.
Dr. Erin Emery-Tiburcio is an Associate Professor of Geriatric & Rehabilitation Psychology and Geriatric Medicine at Rush University Medical Center, as well as Co-Director of the Rush Center for Excellence in Aging. She is past-Chair of American Psychological Association Committee on Aging, and past-President of the Society for Clinical Geropsychology. Dr. Emery-Tiburcio is Co-Director of CATCH-ON, the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program based at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Emery-Tiburcio also co-directs the brand new Engage, Educate, Empower for Equity: E4, The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging at Rush.
